Bias device for biasing a gripping device including a central body and shuttles on the working arms

ABSTRACT

A device comprising: (a) a first working arm; (b) a body; (c) a shuttle, and (d) a bias device; wherein the bias device biases the first working arm relative to the body when the shuttle is in a first position, and wherein the bias device is free of biasing the first working arm relative to the body when the shuttle is in a second position.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to a bias device that selectivelybiases the arms of a gripping device relative to a body portion andpreferably a surgical device that is a combination device, which isconfigured as forceps that include one or more shuttles on each arm thatselectively bias each arm relative to a body portion.

BACKGROUND

Typically, gripping devices such as forceps include a hinge thatconnects the arms together so that the arms are movable relative to eachother. The hinge may allow the gripping devices to move so that thegripping devices are movable to an open position where the arms of theforceps are moved apart and upon an application of a closing force thearms of the gripping devices are moved into a closed position where anitem of interest can be gripped within the gripping device. Othergripping devices such as pliers, nail cutters, cuticle nippers, or thelike have added features that extend between the arms and create adirect force on both of the arms so that the arms are biased open. Thesedevices always bias the arms apart and cannot be disconnected. Someattempts have been made to create a device that is disengageable bypivoting the device from an “on” position to an “off” position or byadding a device that is removable. However, these devices may becomelost or damaged over time such that the application of force is changedor is not possible. Further, these devices impart a force directly onboth of the arms so that the arms are directly moved apart by thefeature.

Examples of some gripping devices such as pliers and cuticle nippersthat include a feature that generates a force may be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. D386,054; 5,619,892; and 8,555,754 all of which are incorporated byreference herein for all purposes. It would be attractive to have agripping device including a bias device that is selectively engageable.It would be attractive to have a gripping device with bias device thatis engageable and disengageable without removing the bias device formthe gripping device or moving the bias device on or along the grippingdevice. What is needed is a bias device that can be activated anddeactivated with one hand. What is needed is a bias device that mayapply a force to one arm individually or two or more arms. It would beattractive to have one or more bias devices where a force generated bythe one or more bias devices is variable.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs byproviding: a device comprising: (a) a first working arm; (b) a shuttle,and (c) a bias device; wherein the bias device biases the first workingarm when the shuttle is in a first position, and wherein the bias deviceis free of biasing the first working arm when the shuttle is in a secondposition.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle, and (d) a bias device;wherein the bias device biases the first working arm away from thesecond arm with a first force when the shuttle is in a first position,and wherein the bias device biases the first working arm away from thesecond arm with a second force when the shuttle is in a second position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) second working arm; (c) a central body; (d) a shuttle, and (e)a first bias device (f) a second biasing device; wherein the first biasdevice biases the first working arm from the central body with a firstforce when the shuttle is in a first position, wherein the second biasdevice biases the second working arm from the central body and whereinthe first bias device biases the first working arm away from the centralbody with a second force when the shuttle is in a second position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle; and (d) a bias devicelocated on the first working arm; wherein the bias device biases thefirst working arm away from the second arm with a first bias force whenthe shuttle is in a first position, and wherein the bias device biasesthe first working arm away from the second arm with a second bias forceor no force when the shuttle is in a second position, and the first biasforce is greater than the second bias force.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle; and (d) a bias devicelocated on the shuttle; wherein the bias device biases the first workingarm away from the second working arm with a first bias force when theshuttle is in a first position; and wherein the bias device biases thefirst working arm away from the second working arm with a second biasforce when the shuttle is in a second position, and the first bias forceis greater than the second bias force.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle; (d) a bias device locatedon the first working arm; and (e) a deactivation feature located withinthe second working arm; wherein the shuttle covers the deactivationfeatures when the shuttle is in a first position so that the bias devicebiases the first working arm away from the second working arm with afirst bias force; and wherein the deactivation feature is exposed whenthe shuttle is in a second position so that the bias device extends intothe deactivation feature so that the bias device biases the firstworking arm away from the second working arm with a second bias force orthe bias device is free of creating a bias force.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle; (d) a central body; and(e) a bias device located on the shuttle; wherein the bias device biasesthe first working arm away from the central body with a first bias forcewhen the shuttle is in a first position; wherein the first bias devicebiases the first working arm away from the central body with a secondbias force or no bias force when the shuttle is in a second position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a shuttle; (d) a central body; and(e) a bias device located on the first working arm; wherein the biasdevice biases the first working arm away from the central body with afirst bias force when the shuttle is in a first position; wherein thefirst bias device biases the first working arm away from the centralbody with a second bias force or no bias force when the shuttle is in asecond position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) one or more shuttles; (d) a centralbody; (e) a first bias device located on the first working arm; (f) asecond bias device located on the second working arm; and (g) one ormore deactivation features located within the central body; wherein theone or more shuttles cover the one or more deactivation features withinthe central body when the one or more shuttles are in a first positionso that the first working arm, the second working arm, or both arebiased away from the central body with a first bias force; and whereinthe one or more deactivation features within the central body areexposed when the one or more shuttles are in a second position so thatthe first working arm, the second working arm, or both are biased awayfrom the central body with a second bias force or the first working arm,the second working arm, or both are not biased by the bias device.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) two or more shuttles; (d) a centralbody; (e) a first bias device located on the first working arm; and (f)a second bias device located on the second working arm; and wherein thetwo or more shuttles are aligned with the first bias device, the secondbias device or both when the two or more shuttles are in a firstposition so that the first working arm, the second working arm, or bothare biased away from the central body with a first bias force; andwherein two or more shuttles are misaligned with the first bias device,the second bias device, or both so that the first bias device bias thefirst working arm, the second bias device biases the second working arm,or both away from the central body with a second bias force or no biasforce when one or all of the two or more shuttles are located in asecond position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) two or more shuttles; (d) a centralbody; (e) a first bias device located on the first working arm; (f) asecond bias device located on the second working arm; (g) a firstdeactivation feature located on the central body that is aligned withthe first bias device; (h) a second deactivation feature located on thecentral body that is aligned with the second bias device; and whereinone of the two or more shuttles cover the first deactivation featurewithin the central body when a first of the two or more shuttles are ina first position so that the first working arm is biased away from thecentral body with a first arm first bias force; wherein a second of thetwo or more shuttles cover the second deactivation feature within thecentral body when a second of the two or more shuttles are in a firstposition so that the second working arm is biased away from the centralbody with a second arm first bias force; wherein the first deactivationfeature within the central body is exposed when the first of the two ormore shuttles are in a second position so that the first working arm isbiased away from the central body with a first arm second bias force orthe first working arm is not biased by the first bias device; andwherein the second deactivation feature within the central body isexposed when the second of the two or more shuttles are in a secondposition so that the second working arm is biased away from the centralbody with a second arm second bias force or the second working arm isnot biased by the second bias device.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a central body; (d) a first shuttlelocated on the first working arm; (e) a second shuttle located on thesecond work arm; (f) a first bias device located on the first shuttle;and (g) a second bias device located on the second shuttle; wherein thefirst bias device biases the first working arm away from the centralbody with a first bias force when the first shuttle is in a firstposition; wherein the second bias device biases the second working armaway from the central body with a first bias force when the secondshuttle is in a first position; wherein the first bias device bias thefirst working arm away from the central body with a second bias force orno bias force when the first shuttle is located in a second position;and wherein the second bias device bias the second working arm away fromthe central body with a second bias force or no bias force when thesecond shuttle is located in a second position.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a first shuttle located on the firstworking arm; (d) a second shuttle located on the second working arm; (e)a central body; (f) a first bias device located on a first side of thecentral body; (g) a second bias device located on a second side of thecentral body; (h) a first deactivation feature located on the firstworking arm that is aligned with the first bias device; (i) a seconddeactivation feature located on the second working arm that is alignedwith the second bias device; and wherein the first shuttle covers thefirst deactivation feature within the first working arm when the firstshuttle is in a first position so that the first working arm is biasedaway from the central body with a first arm first bias force; whereinthe second shuttle cover the second deactivation feature within thefirst working arm when the second shuttle is in a first position so thatthe second working arm is biased away from the central body with asecond arm first bias force; wherein the first deactivation featurewithin the first working arm is exposed when the first shuttle is in asecond position so that the first working arm is biased away from thecentral body with a first arm second bias force or the first working armis not biased by the first bias device; and wherein the seconddeactivation feature within the second working arm is exposed when thesecond shuttle is in a second position so that the second working arm isbiased away from the central body with a second arm second bias force orthe second working arm is not biased by the second bias device.

The present teachings provide: a device comprising: (a) a first workingarm; (b) a second working arm; (c) a first shuttle located on the firstworking arm; (d) a second shuttle located on the second working arm; (e)a central body; (f) a first bias device located on a first side of thecentral body; and (g) a second bias device located on a second side ofthe central body; and wherein the first bias device biases the firstworking arm away from the central body with a first bias force when thefirst shuttle is in a first position; wherein the second bias devicebiases the second working arm away from the central body with a firstbias force when the second shuttle is in a first position; wherein thefirst bias device bias the first working arm away from the central bodywith a second bias force or no bias force when the first shuttle islocated in a second position; and wherein the second bias device biasthe second working arm away from the central body with a second biasforce or no bias force when the second shuttle is located in a secondposition.

The teachings provide a gripping device including a bias device that isselectively engageable. The teachings provide a gripping device withbias device that is engageable and disengageable without removing thebias device form the gripping device or moving the bias device on oralong the gripping device. The teachings provide a bias device that canbe activated and deactivated with one hand. The teachings provide a biasdevice that may apply a force to one arm individually or two or morearms. The teachings provide one or more bias devices where a forcegenerated by the one or more bias devices is variable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electrosurgical device;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an electrosurgical device includingforceps;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrosurgical device with forcepsthat are bias closed;

FIG. 3 illustrates the forceps of FIG. 2 with the body removed;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of forceps including two shuttles in a secondposition;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of forceps including one shuttle in afirst position and one shuttle in a second position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of forceps including a shuttle on eachworking arm and one shuttle on the body;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of forceps with a shuttle on each workingarm and a bias device on each side of a body;

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of forceps including a shuttle on eachworking arm and one shuttle on the body with the shuttle on the secondworking arm being in a second position;

FIG. 9 illustrates forceps with a shuttle on each working arm and ablade being flush with a tip of each working arm;

FIG. 10A illustrates forceps with a shuttle on each working arm in afirst position and the blade being retracted along with a shuttle on thebody;

FIG. 10B illustrates a shuttle on each working arm in a first positionand the blade being flush with a tip of each working arm and the shuttleon the body being in a first position and aligned with the shuttles onthe working arms;

FIG. 10C illustrates forceps with a shuttle on each working arm in afirst position and the blade being retracted, and a shuttle on the bodybeing in a first position and opposing the shuttles on the working arms;

FIG. 10D illustrates a shuttle on each working arm and two shuttles onthe body with one shuttle on the body being in a first position and oneshuttle on the body being in a second position;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a working arm including deactivation featuresand contact zones;

FIG. 12 illustrates a shuttle on each working arm with each working armbeing biased;

FIG. 13 illustrates both working arms being free of bias;

FIG. 14 illustrates one working arm being biased and one working armbeing free of bias; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a shuttle and bias device located on each workingarm with the bias device being deactivated by the shuttle extending overand the bias device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings relate to an instrument. The instrument mayfunction to grip one or more objects of interest. Preferably, theinstrument is a gripping device. More preferably, the instrument isforceps. Most preferably, the gripping device is surgical forceps. Theinstrument may be forceps, tweezers, scissors, retaining ring tool, or acombination thereof. The instrument may function to grip, hold, squeeze,or a combination thereof one or more objects. The instrument may includeone or more finger grips (i.e., configured like scissors) that may beused to move the instrument so that the instrument may be used to gripone or more objects. The instrument may be free of finger grips and beactuated by direct pressure being applied to opposing sides of theforceps so that the instrument closes and grips an object. Theinstrument may have working arms that cross and form an X shape. Theinstrument may be opened when a first working arm is moved towards asecond working arm. The instrument may be closed when a first workingarm is moved towards a second working arm. The first working arm and thesecond working arm may move laterally, within a plane, or both (e.g.,perpendicular to a longitudinal axis). Preferably, the first working armand the second working arm move towards and away from each other withoutrotating, moving out of a plane, or both. The instrument has a distalend and a proximal end. The instrument may have working arms that aregenerally straight. The instrument includes at least two working arms.

The working arms may function to grip, hold, squeeze, or a combinationthereof an object when the object is between the two or more opposingworking arms. The working arms include a proximal end and a distal end.The proximal end may be in contact with a body, a handle, or both. Thefirst working arm and the second working arm may converge together attheir respective proximal ends, at the handle, the body, or acombination thereof. The distal end may include one or more electrodes,one or more tips, or both for applying a therapy current, a grippingforce, or both. The working arms may include one or more grippingfeatures that may assist in gripping, holding, squeezing, or acombination thereof an object. The instrument may include two or moreworking arms. Preferably, the instrument includes at least two workingarms. The instrument may include three or more, four or more, five ormore, or even six or more working arms. More preferably, the instrumentonly includes two working arms. The working arms may all besubstantially identical. When only a first working arm and a secondworking arm are present the first working arm and the second working armmay be mirror images of each other. When only a first working arm and asecond working arm are present the instrument is configured as forceps.

The working arms, forceps, electrosurgical device, or a combinationthereof may be movable between at least a first position and a secondposition. For example, in the second position the working arms areimmobilized so that the working arms cannot be used a forceps. Theworking arms, blade, or both may have a first position and a secondposition; however, the shuttles may have a plurality of positions alongthe working arms, the blade, the body, or a combination thereof. Theworking arms may be longitudinally static and moveable relative to eachother (e.g., laterally within a plane). The working arms may belongitudinally moveable and may be moveable relative to each other(e.g., laterally movable) so that a gripping force may be created.Preferably, the working arms may be movable laterally relative to eachother (i.e., towards and away from each other within a single plane).The working arms may not be rotatable. The working arms may rotate abouta pivot or a pivot pin to grip or create a force. A pin may connect afirst working arm and a second working arm and the pin may be the pivotpoint. The working arms may be movable about a pivot point so that asone end of the working arms are moved closer together (e.g., a proximalend) an opposing end is moved further apart (e.g., a distal end). Theworking arms may each have a pivot point. The working arms may extendcantilever and may pivot about a cantilever connection with the body,the handle, the gripping portion, or a combination thereof. The workingarms may be retractable and/or extendable individually, simultaneously,or both. The working arms may be selectively retractable and/orextendable so that one or more tip regions are exposed. The working armsmay be rigid. The rigid working arms may rotate about a pivot or a pinto create a gripping force. The working arms may be connected to eachother, a body portion, or both by a pin that extends through a pivot andthe working arms may rotate about the pivot to create a gripping force.The working arms may include one or more cross overs.

The one or more cross overs may function to change the forceps from abias open device to a bias closed device. The cross overs may be wherethe working arms cross each other so that a distal end of the workingdevice is located on an opposing side of the forceps as a working armthat it was connected, a proximal end, or both. The cross over may haveone working arm passing over or under another working arm. The crossover may have a portion of one working arm passing through anotherworking arm. The cross over may form an X shape. The cross over may belocated on an opposite end of the arms as the one or more bosses, thepivot point, or both.

The working arms may include one or more bosses that a pin extendsthrough to connect the working arms to body so that a pivot point iscreated. Preferably, each working arm includes at least two bosses andthe bosses extend on both sides of a portion of the body and the pivotpin extends through the bosses and a portion of the body to connect thearms to the body. The pivot pin may movably connect the working arms toa body. The pivot point may create a hinge. A single pivot pin mayconnect more than one working arm. For example, the working arms may beconnected together by a single pivot pin. Each working arm may beconnected individually by a pivot pin. The connection may form a joint.The joint may be a pivot joint, a cantilever joint or both. Each workingarm may include a joint. Both working arms may be connected by a singlejoint. The bias device may be located on a distal side of the joint orthe proximal side of the joint. The first working arm, second workingarm, and body may all be part of the joint. The first working arm andbody and the second working arm and body may form a joint. The pivot pinmay be made of any material that permits the working arms to rotate. Forexample, the pivot pin may be plastic, metal, stainless steel, surgicalsteel, or a combination thereof. The working arms may be free of a pivotpin. For example, a first working arm may extend over (e.g., cross-overor cross-under) a second working arm so that the distal end is locatedon an opposite side of the forceps and the proximal end. Thecross-over/cross-under may create a device that opens upon anapplication of force. The working arms may be flexible and may flex toopen and close. For example, the working arms may be constrained (at oneend) and upon release of the constraint the working arms may flex open.The working arms may be movable between two or more positions.Preferably, the working arms are movable between at least a firstposition (e.g., open) and a second position (e.g., closed). The workingarms may be movable between a bipolar configuration (e.g., firstposition) and a monopolar configuration (e.g., second position). Theworking arms may be movable between an open position (i.e., firstposition) and a closed position (i.e., second position). The workingarms in the first position may be off, energized, one working arm may beenergized, or a combination thereof. The working arms in the secondposition may be off, one or both of the working arms may be electricallydisconnected, one or both of the working arms may be electricallyconnected, one working arm may be shorted by the other working arm, or acombination thereof. The working arms may be moved between one or morepositions by a user applying a force to a gripping portion.

The gripping portion may function to open the working arm, close theworking arms, allow a user to manipulate the forceps, or a combinationthereof. The gripping portions may move the working arms when a force isapplied to the working arms. The gripping portions may be located at theproximal end or the distal end of each of the working arm. The grippingportion may be located proximate to the handle, the body, or both. Thegripping portion of the working arms may extend over the handle, thebody, or both. The gripping portions may extend along the handle, thebody, or both. The gripping portions may be located opposite a tipregion of the working arms. The gripping portions may be located at aproximal end and the tip region may be located at a distal end.

The working arms may include a tip region. The tip region may include aportion that is configured to assist in facilitating gripping, holding,squeezing, or a combination thereof. The tip region may be located atthe distal most end (i.e., an end of the instrument furthest from theuser) of the working arms. The tip regions when moved towards each othermay grip an object of interest between the two working arms (e.g.,tissue). Additionally, the tip region may be configured in one or moreelectrosurgical configurations (e.g., a monopolar configuration, bipolarconfiguration, or a combination of both). The tip region may includeteeth, serrations, mouse teeth, be free of teeth (i.e., smooth), or acombination thereof. The tip region may be fully and/or partiallyinsulated. Preferably, the tip region includes insulation on thenon-contact portions of the working arms so that electrosurgical energyis not transferred through incidental contact. The tip region mayinclude or may be an active portion (e.g., an electrode), an inactiveportion (e.g., an insulated portion), or a combination of both.

The electrode may function to provide a therapy signal (e.g., current,voltage, power, electricity, or a combination thereof) to a location ofinterest. The electrode may be electrically conductive so that theinstrument is an electrosurgical device. The electrode may transmit atherapy signal between the working arms, from a working arm to theblade, from a working arm to the blade electrode, from one or bothworking arms to a ground pad, from a blade to a ground pad, or acombination thereof. The electrode may both provide power and a contactsurface for gripping and holding an item of interest. The electrode maybe connected to an electrical path that provides a therapy signal fromthe body, a generator, or both to a location of interest.

The electrical path may function to provide a therapy signal to afeature or location of interest. The electrical path may extend alongone or more of the working arms. The electrical path may be one or morestructures that when connected together provide a path for power to flowthrough the instrument. The electrical path may extend along a blade.The electrical path may be engageable and disengageable. The electricalpath may extend from a handle, gripping portion, body, or a combinationthereof to the working arms (e.g., first working arm, second workingarm, or both), and/or the blade (which may include a blade electrode).

The blade may function to mechanically cut, electrically cut,electrically coagulate, apply a therapy current, or a combinationthereof. The blade may be any device that may be used to apply monopolarpower during a procedure, that may be longitudinally movable,rotationally movable, extendable, retractable, or a combination thereof.The blade may be movable along or relative to a handle, a body, agripping portion, or a combination thereof. The blade may be connectedto and extend from a handle, a body, a gripping portion or a combinationthereof. The blade may be static. Preferably, in one embodiment theblade may be static and the working arms moved relative to the blade sothat when the working arms are moved the blade is exposed. Morepreferably, the blade is a movable. The blade may have one or morepositions. The blade may have a plurality of positions. The blade mayhave a first position (e.g., retracted), a second position (flush), anda third position (e.g., extended). The first position may be where theblade is located relative to the working arms so that the working armsare past the blade (e.g., the blade is retracted so that the workingarms extend past the blade or the working arms are extended so that theworking arms extend past the blade). The first position may be where theblade is electrically disconnected, electrically shorted relative toanother handpiece component, electrically insulated so that power cannotpass from the blade, or a combination thereof. The second position maybe where a distal end of the blade is flush with the distal end of thefirst working arm, the second working arm, or both. The third positionmay be where the blade is located relative to the working arms so thatthe blade is extended beyond the working arms (e.g, the blade isextended so that the working arms are located proximate to the user orthe working arms are retracted so that the blade is beyond the workingarms). The second position and/or third position may be where the bladeis electrically connected, supplies a therapy current, is electricallycontinuous, or a combination thereof. The blade may be a separate piecethat when activated may be used to supply monopolar power. The blade maybe formed by connecting the two working arms together and supplyingpower through only one working arm. The blade may be used forelectrically cutting, mechanically cutting, or both. The blade may be adiscrete third working arm that may extend from one of the working arms,between the working arms, or both. Preferably, the blade extends fromthe body. The electrosurgical device may be free of a blade. The blademay include or be a blade electrode. The blade electrode may supply atherapy current to a location of interest. The blade electrode maycontact tissue so that a therapy current is supplied from the bladeelectrode to the first working arm, second working arm, ground pad, or acombination thereof. One or more shuttles may move relative to theblade, along the blade, parallel to the blade, or a combination thereof.Preferably, the shuttle is free of movement along the blade. The blademay be connected to a shuttle that may move the blade.

The one or more shuttles may function to activate or deactivate one ormore functions of the instrument, move one or more components of theinstrument, obstruct one or more buttons of the instrument, move a biasdevice, move a deactivation feature, deactivate a deactivation feature,align a bias device and deactivation feature, align a bias device and acontact zone, or a combination thereof. The shuttle may be connected toor move along a body, a handle, a first working arm, a second workingarm, a blade, or a combination thereof. The one or more shuttles maymove independent of the first working arm, the second working arm, theblade, the body, or a combination thereof. For example, if the blade islongitudinally movable, a shuttle located on the body may movelongitudinally without the blade moving or vice versa. Theelectrosurgical device may include one or more shuttles, two or moreshuttles, three or more shuttles, four or more shuttles, or even five ormore shuttles. For example, there may be three shuttles on the body, onethat moves the blade and two that move along the body to activate anddeactivate bias, and each working arm may include a shuttle. Eachworking arm may include one or more shuttles. The body, blade, or bothmay include one or more shuttles. The body may include two shuttles oreven three shuttles. The shuttles may function to carry one or more biasdevices. The shuttles may function to carry one or more deactivationfeatures. The shuttles may only have one or more bias devices, one ormore deactivation features, one or more contact zones, or a combinationthereof on one side. For example, a shuttle may only face a first sideof a body or a first working arm. The shuttle may have two sides andeach side may include one or more deactivation features, one or morebias devices, one or more contact zones, or a combination thereof. Theshuttles may include two or more bias devices, contact zone,deactivation features, or a combination thereof on each side so that asthe shuttle is longitudinally moved the amount of force created may bevaried based upon the distance of the shuttle from pivot point, body, orboth. The shuttle may have two or more pieces. The shuttle may be aplurality of pieces. The shuttle may have a first shuttle first portion,a first shuttle second portion, a second shuttle portion (including oneor more portions), a third shuttle portion (including one or moreportions (e.g., a third shuttle first portion and a third shuttle secondportion)), a fourth shuttle portion, or a combination thereof. Forexample, two shuttle portions may be located on the body and the twoshuttle portions may be moved as one shuttle or moved as two discreteshuttles. Three shuttles may be located on the body. The three shuttlesmay be a first shuttle first portion and a first shuttle second portionand a second shuttle portion. The first shuttles may control bias andthe second shuttle may control the blade position. A first shuttle firstportion may be located on a first working arm and a first shuttle secondportion may be located on a second working arm. A first shuttle portionmay be located on a first side of the body and a second shuttle portionmay be located on a second side of the body. The shuttle may function toprovide a contact zone or contact location for one or more bias devices.The shuttle may be movable between a plurality of positions. The one ormore shuttles may be movable between one or more positions. Preferably,the shuttle is movable between at least a proximal position (e.g., firstposition) and a distal position (e.g., second position). The shuttle mayretract and extend the blade, a working arm, or both. The shuttle mayengage and disengage one or more bias devices. The shuttle may cover,expose, or both one or more deactivation features, one or more buttons,or both. Each shuttle may include two or more positions, three or morepositions, four or more positions, or even five or more positions. Theshuttle may move along a body portion. The shuttle may move along one ormore of the working arms. The shuttle may extend along or around one ormore sides of the body portion. Preferably, the shuttle extends aroundat least one or more sides of the body portion. The shuttle may engagethe bias device. The shuttle may engage the bias device when the shuttleis in the first position, the second position, the third position, thefourth position, or a combination thereof. The shuttle may be free ofengagement with the bias device when the shuttle is in the firstposition, the second position, the third position, the fourth position,or a combination thereof. The shuttle may have one or more contact zonesthat are contacted by the bias devices.

The one or more contact zones may function to create a contact surfacefor the bias device to contact. The one or more contact zones mayfunction to assist is biasing the working arms. The one or more contactzones may be any area of the instrument where the bias device contactsto create a bias force. The one or more contact zones may be a region ofthe shuttle, the one or more of the working arms, body, or a combinationthereof that assists in biasing the working arms. For example, the biasdevice may be connected to the working arms and may contact a contactzone of the shuttle. In another example, the bias device may beconnected to a shuttle and may contact a contact zone of the workingarms. The one or more contact zones may either engage the bias device orbe free of engagement with the bias device. The one or more contactzones may be generally planar. The one or more contact zones may haveone or more steps that extend in different planes so that contact witheach step varies the amount of force created by the bias device. Forexample, movement of a shuttle or a bias device may move from a firststep to a second step or even a third step which may increase ordecrease an amount of force created by the bias device. The one or moresteps may change the thickness of the shuttle so that compression of thebias device varies the amount of generated by the bias device. Whensteps are present the shuttle may have a position that corresponds toeach of the steps. The force may be sufficiently low so that fingerpressure may overcome the force to bias the working arms. The force maybe about 1 Kg or more, about 2 Kg or more, about 5 Kg or less, or about3 Kg or less (i.e., between about 0.5 Kg and about 2 Kg). The amount offorce may be varied by moving one or more shuttles, bias members, orboth toward a distal end, towards a proximal end, towards a pivot point,towards a cross over, a combination thereof. The shuttle may be distallyor proximally moved to vary the bias force provided to each working armdepending upon a longitudinal location of the shuttle. The bias devicemay provide a force that is close to zero but greater than a zero biasforce. The shuttle may have a distal position, a first position, asecond position, a third position, a proximal position, or a combinationthereof. The contact zones may have one or more recesses so that when aportion of a bias device (e.g., a free end or contact portion) contactsthe contact zone the bias device and shuttle form at least a temporaryconnection. The one or more recesses may substantially prevent the biasdevice from moving (e.g., sliding) along the contact zone (e.g., thebias device may move 1 mm or less relative to the contact zone). Thecontact zone may be curved, include a detent, be flat, disc shaped, or acombination thereof. The contact zone may be moved so that the biasdevice is free of contact with the shuttle and the bias device isdisabled.

The bias device may function to move one or more of the working arms.The bias device may bias one or more of the working arms open (i.e.,away), one or more of the working arms closed (i.e., towards), or both.The bias device may bias one or more of the working arms off of a body,a shuttle, a handle, an inner shell, a contact zone, or a combinationthereof. The bias device may be free of providing a bias (e.g., the biasdevice may be disabled, turned off, or both). The bias device maylongitudinally movable (e.g., along a length of the electrosurgicaldevice), laterally movable (e.g., move with a working arm along a planethat is at an angle relative to the length (e.g., perpendicular)),rotationally movable (e.g., around a working arm), or a combinationthereof. The bias device may be longitudinally static. The bias devicemay be fixed to a working arm, body, shuttle, first shuttle portion,second shuttle portion, third shuttle portion, handle, gripping portion,or a combination thereof. The bias device may be made of plastic, metal,rubber, or a combination thereof. The bias device may extend between afirst working arm and the body, a second working arm and the body, orboth. Depending on the position of the shuttle the bias device may beopposing a working arm or a body. The bias device may be made of anelastic material. The bias device may include elastomericcharacteristics. The bias device may be a spring. The bias device may bea leaf spring, a cantilever spring, a helical spring, compressionspring, a coil, a helical extension, or a combination thereof. The biasdevice may include one or more constrained ends, one or more free ends,one or more contact portions, or a combination thereof.

The one or more constrained ends may function to connect the bias deviceto a part of an instrument. The one or more constrained ends maypermanently connect the bias device to a part of an instrument. The oneor more constrained ends may removably connect the bias device to a partof an instrument. The one or more constrained ends may be a singleconstrained end. The one or more constrained ends may be located onopposing ends of the bias device. For example, two opposing ends of thebias device may be constrained and a middle section may extend outwardto provide the bias. The one or more constrained ends may not be an endbut may constrain the bias device between to a part of the instrument ata location between the ends. For example, a central section may beconstrained and two portions may extend outward from the constrainedcentral section. The one or more constrained ends preferably are locatedat an end that is towards the distal end of the device. For example, thebias device may include a distal end and a proximal end and theconstrained end may be the distal end of the bias device. Theconstrained end may be connected to a working arm, the shuttle, a body,handle, gripping portion, or a combination thereof. The first workingarm and the second working arm may each be connected to a constrainedend of a bias device. The bias device may extend outward from theconstrained end. For example, the bias device may extend from aconstrained end on a first working arm towards a second working arm. Theconstrained end may form a cantilever connection. The bias device mayonly be connected at the constrained end and may include a free end thatis not constrained to any part of the instrument (i.e., the working armsor the shuttle).

The free end may function to contact one or more parts of the instrumentto create a bias force. The free end may extend away from theconstrained end but may be free of contact with another part of theinstrument to create the bias force. For example, the free end mayextend outward and contact the same part as the constrained end (e.g.,an arm, shuttle, body) and a contact surface between the free end andthe constrained end may create the bias force. The free end may extendtowards the same part of the instrument as the bias device (e.g., theshuttle, a working arm, body). Preferably, the free end contacts acontact zone and assists in creating the bias force. The free end maymove along a portion of the instrument as the contact portion is biased.The free end may be in contact with a part of the instrument and move asthe working arms are moved towards each other. The free end may besubstantially static during movement of the working arms towards eachother so that energy is stored within the bias device. The free end maybe opposite a constrained end (e.g., cantilever connection). The freeend may be in the same plane as the constrained end. The free end may bein a different plane than the constrained end. The bias device mayinclude more than one free end. For example, the bias device may include2, 3, 4, 5, or more free ends. Preferably, the bias device includes asingle free end. The free end may be flat. The free end may include acovering or another material. The free end may include an insulator, anelastomeric material, or both. The free end may be free of any othermaterials. The free end and the constrained end may be separated by oneor more breaks.

The one or more breaks may function to store energy. The one or morebreaks may function to move the bias device from a first plane to asecond plane. The one or more breaks may be one or more arcuate portionsof the bias device. The one or more breaks may be one or more bends inthe bias device. The one or more breaks may allow the bias device tofollow the contour of the working arms, the shuttle, a portion of theinstrument, or a combination thereof. The one or more breaks may be ashaped portion of the bias device. The one or more breaks may move whenthe working arms move towards each other and store energy and when apressure is released the working arms may release the stored energy andbias the working arms apart. The one or more breaks extend the biasdevice from a constrained end towards a contact portion. The one or morebreaks may strengthen a portion of the bias device. The one or morebreaks may prevent one or more portions of the bias device from moving.The one or more breaks, bias device, or both may include the contactportion.

The one or more contact portions may function to contact another portionof the instrument to bias one or more of the working arms apart or biasone or more of the working arms together. Preferably, the contactportions of the bias device contact a contact zone on a working arm, theshuttle, a body, or a combination thereof. The one or more contactportions may contact a first working arm, a second working arm, ashuttle, a body, or a combination thereof. The one or more contactportions may contact a piece adjacent to a working arm. The one or morecontact portions may contact a working arm. For example, the bias devicemay be connected to a first working arm and the contact portion maycontact the first working arm and a second working arm or a shuttle tocreate a bias force. The contact portion may assist in compressing abias device so that energy is stored within the bias device. The contactportion may assist in releasing energy so that the first working arm andsecond working arm are moved apart. Each bias device may have one ormore contact portions. Each bias device may include two or more contactportions. For example, each bias device may include a contact portionthat contacts a first part of the instrument (e.g., an arm) and secondpart of the instrument (e.g., another arm or a shuttle). The contactportion may be a constrained end, a free end, or both. The contactportion may contact a shuttle, a body, or both of the instrument. Thecontact portion may contact a shuttle when a shuttle is in a firstposition (or distal position) and may extend into a body, into adeactivation feature, or both and be free of contact with the contactzone when the shuttle is in a second position (or proximal position).

The body may function to serve as the primary gripping region for auser. The body may be a central body. The body may connect all of thecomponents together (e.g., the blade, working arms, shuttle, buttons,etc. . . . ). The body may be or include a handle, a gripping portion,or both. The body may house electrical components, buttons, controls, ora combination thereof. The body may receive power, therapy signals, orboth from a generator. The body may be connected to the working arms bya pivot pin, bosses, or both. The body may connect to a proximal end ofeach of the working arms. The body may extend between two or moreworking arms. The working arms may pivot about the body and the body mayremain substantially static. Each working arm may move relative to thebody individually. The body may connect both of the working armstogether so that the working arms move with each other. The body portionmay carry the shuttle. The body portion may have a track that theshuttle moves along. The body portion may include an opening thatreceives all or a portion of the blade. For example, the blade may movein and out of the body portion. The shuttle may be part of the bodyportion and the shuttle may cover a portion of an inner shell of thebody portion. The body may be covered by an inner shell.

The inner shell may extend around the body portion, a portion of the oneor more working arms, or both. The inner shell may cover one or moresurfaces, preferably two or more surfaces, and more preferably three ormore surfaces. The inner shell of the body portion may function tosupport the shuttle, the activation buttons, connect the working arms,receive all or a portion of the bias device, receive all or a portion ofthe blade, or a combination thereof. The inner shell may house all ofthe electrical elements. The inner shell may assist in activating ordeactivating one or more electrical functions of the instrument. Theinner shell may function to be a piece that a user grips. The innershell may include one or more deactivation features.

The one or more deactivation features may function to deactivate thebias device, deactivate an electrosurgical configuration, or both. Theone or more deactivation features may be a hole or recess that extendsthrough one or more walls of the inner shell, body portion, working arm,handle, gripping portion, shuttle, electrosurgical device, or acombination thereof. Preferably, the deactivation features are a recessthat create a gap so that the bias device cannot contact a part of thedevice to create a bias force. The one or more deactivation features maybe located in a first working arm, second working arm, first shuttle,second shuttle, or a combination thereof. One or more parts may includetwo or more or even a plurality of deactivation features. For example, ashuttle may include two deactivation features and two contact zones. Theone or more deactivation features may be one or more recesses, one ormore openings, one or more through holes, or a combination thereof. Forexample, the inner shell may include a recess so that when the shuttleis in a proximal position the recess is exposed and one or both of thebias devices extend into the recess and are free of contact with theinner shell and one or both of the bias devices are deactivated. The oneor more deactivation features may be a distance between a contact zoneand a contact portion. For example, when the shuttle is moved from afirst position, where the contact zone and the contact portion are incontact, to a second position, the contact portion may be located toofar from the contact zone to create a bias force. The one or moredeactivation features may be a gap that is greater than a distancebetween a bias device and a contact surface so that the bias devicecannot create a bias force. The deactivation features may be a hole thatthe bias device extends into so that the bias device cannot bias. Theone or more deactivation features may be located on the shuttle or inthe shuttle so that when the shuttle is in one position one or both ofthe bias devices align with the deactivation feature and are deactivatedand when the shuttle is in a different position the bias device alignswith a contact zone and is activated. Preferably, the deactivationfeatures are aligned with the contact portions of the bias device. Morepreferably, the deactivation features, activation buttons, or both arecovered and uncovered by the shuttle moving between positions.

The first activation button, second activation button, or both mayfunction to enable one or more electrical configurations of theinstrument. The first activation button, second activation button, orboth may provide a therapy current to one or both working arms, theblade, or both. The activation buttons may allow for the instrument tobe an electrosurgical device. The activation buttons may allow theinstrument to be both a mechanical gripping device and anelectrosurgical device.

The present teachings relate to an instrument that may includeelectrical elements and be an electrosurgical device. Preferably, thepresent teachings relate to an electrosurgical device and associatedcomponentry that form an electrosurgical system. The electrosurgicalsystem may be any system that includes one or more of the devices taughtherein. Preferably, the electrical surgical system includes at least anelectrosurgical device. The electrosurgical system may include one ormore handpieces (i.e., a body) as taught herein, one or more groundpads, one or more generators, one or more electrosurgical devices, oneor more adjacent handpiece components, or a combination thereof and theteachings herein of each device which are incorporated into theelectrosurgical system. The electrosurgical device may be any devicethat may be used by a surgeon to perform a surgical procedure. Theelectrosurgical device may function to be switched between two or moreconfigurations, two or more states, or both (e.g., be a combinationdevice). For example, the electrosurgical device may be switched betweena monopolar configuration, a bipolar configuration, anon-electrosurgical configuration, or a combination of the three. Theelectrosurgical device may be any device that may be switched betweentwo or more configurations with one hand so that a user may switchbetween the configurations without the need for a second hand, withoutdisrupting the procedure, or both. The electrosurgical device may be anydevice and/or configuration that may be used ambidextrously,ambidextrously switched between configurations, or both. Theelectrosurgical device may be used to cut, perform hemostasis,coagulate, desiccate, fulgurate, electrocautery, or a combinationthereof. The electrosurgical device may be any device that includesbipolar capabilities, monopolar capabilities, non-electrosurgicalcapabilities, or a combination thereof. The electrosurgical device maybe used in open surgery. In addition to its electrosurgical capabilitiesthe electrosurgical device may be used for non-electrosurgical purposes.For example, the electrosurgical device may be used as forceps,tweezers, or both that may be used to grip an object, an organ, a vein,skin, tissue, the like, or a combination thereof. In another example,one or more parts of the device may include a sharp edge and may be usedto cut, similar to that of a scalpel. The electrosurgical deviceincludes a proximal end (e.g., an end proximate to a user) and a distalend (e.g., an end furthest from a user). The electrosurgical device mayinclude a handpiece and a generator. The electrosurgical device may haveone or more therapy signals that extend between the handpiece and thegenerator.

The one or more therapy signals may be a signal, power, continuity, or acombination thereof. The one or more therapy signals may extend fromand/or to the handpiece (e.g., blade, working arms, or both). The one ormore therapy signals may be formed by the handpiece, formed by thegenerator, or both. The electrosurgical therapy signals may be a therapycurrent. Preferably, the electrosurgical therapy signals indicate that auser has performed a step and a signal is being transmitted so thattherapy current, energy, or both is generated. The electrosurgicaltherapy signals may provide a signal so that one or more therapycurrents are produced and the therapy currents may be used forelectrosurgery. The electrosurgical therapy signal may be a monopolartherapy signal, a bipolar therapy signal, or both. The electrosurgicaltherapy signal may be a monopolar therapy signal, a bipolar therapysignal, or both. The monopolar therapy signal may be any signal that hasa voltage differential between a return port and an active port in thegenerator. The monopolar therapy signal may be any signal that whenapplied by the electrosurgical device extends from one pole of anelectrosurgical device to another pole located at a remote location, offof the electrosurgical device, off the handpiece, or a combinationthereof. The bipolar therapy signal may be any signal that has a voltagedifferential between two leads that are connected to the electrosurgicaldevice, that are located in the generator, or both. The bipolar therapysignal may be any signal that when applied by the electrosurgical deviceextends from one component of a handpiece to another component of thehandpiece (e.g., between two working arms, from a blade to one or bothworking arms, or both). An electrosurgical therapy signal, when theactivation circuit is in the second state, may exit the handpiece sothat a therapy current extends from a blade, between the first workingarm and the second working arm, between the blade and one or both of theworking arms, or a combination thereof. The therapy signal may begenerated and conducted from the handpiece to the generator.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of and electrosurgical device 100configured as forceps 2 with a blade 90. The blade 90 is retractedbetween the first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 so thatthe working arms 30 and 32 are movable. The blade 90 is connected to abody 10 that carries a shuttle 60 and a first activation button 16,second activation button 18, and third activation button 22. The firstworking arm 30 includes a shuttle 60 and the second working arm 32includes a shuttle 60 and the shuttles each carry a bias device (notshown) that selectively bias the first working arm 30 and second workingarm 32 respectively against the body 10.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the forceps 2. The forceps 2 asshown are also an electrosurgical device 100. The forceps 2 include abody 10 with a blade 90 extending therefrom. The body 10 is partiallycovered by a movable shuttle 60 (e.g., a second shuttle portion), whichmoves between a first position (not shown) and a second position (notshown). The first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 aresubstantially a mirror image of each other. Both the first working arm30 and the second working arm 32 include a pivot 37 with a pivot point36, which as shown is a pin, that the working arms move about to createa gripping force. The pivot point 36 extends through a pair of opposingbosses 34 on each of the working arms. Each of the working arms includea bias device 80, riding on a shuttle 60 (e.g., a first shuttle firstportion and a first shuttle second portion), that assists in opening theworking arms 30, 32. The bias devices 80 includes a free end 82 and aconstrained end 84. The free end 82 contacts a contact zone 66 of theshuttle 60 when the shuttle 60 is in a first position. The bias devices80 include breaks 88 that assist in resiliently biasing the working arms30, 32. Each of the working arms 30, 32 include an electrical path 38 sothat power travels to electrodes 33 at ends of each respective workingarm 30, 32. The body 10 includes a first activation button 16, a secondactivation button 18, and a third activation button 22. The body 10 hasa deactivation feature 14, which as shown is a through hole, in theinner shell 12 of the body 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates forceps 2 where the first working arm 30 and thesecond working 32 include a cross over 42 so that distal ends of thefirst working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 are biased closed.The forceps 2 include a body 10 having handle 20 connected to a grippingportion 44 with a distal end 40 extending beyond the gripping portion44. When a force is applied to the gripping portion 44 of the firstworking arm 30 and the second working arm 32, the first working arm 30and the second working arm 32 are biased towards the body 10 and ends ofthe first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 open. Once theforce is released the bias devices 80 on the shuttles 60 bias theworking arms 30, 32 closed by the bias devices 80 biasing off of theshuttle 60 on the body 10. A blade 90 is connected to the shuttle 60 sothat movement of the shuttle moves the blade 90 between the firstworking arm 30 and the second working arm 32 towards and away from thedistal end (i.e. the tip) 40. As shown, the blade 90 is extending beyondthe first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32.

FIG. 3 illustrates of the forceps 2 of FIG. 2 with the body removed.With the body removed, the first working arm 30, the second working arm32, and the blade 90 are fully visible. Ends of the first working arm 30and the second working arm 32 are connected together to assist increating a bias force. An electrode 33 is located at ends of the firstworking arm 30 and the second working arm 32 so that bipolar energy canbe supplied between the first working arm 30 and the second working arm32. An electrode 33 is located on the blade 90 so that monopolar energycan be supplied through the blade 90.

FIG. 4 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A bias device 80is located on a first side of the body 10 proximate to the first workingarm 30 and a bias device 80 is located on a second side of the body 10proximate to the second working arm 32. The body 10 is in communicationwith a blade 90 that is extended distal of the first working arm 30 andthe second working arm 32. The first working arm 30 and the secondworking arm 32 both include a shuttle 60 that are located in a secondposition 60B so that a gap (G) is located between the first working arm30 and the bias device 80 on the first side of the body 10 and a gap (G)is located between the second working arm 32 and the bias device 80 onthe second side of the body 10. The gaps (G) are sufficiently large sothat the first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 are notbiased by a respective bias device 80 when a force is applied to thefirst working arm 30 or the second working arm 32.

FIG. 5 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A bias device80 is located on a first side of the body 10 proximate to the firstworking arm 30 and a bias device 80 is located on a second side of thebody 10 proximate to the second working arm 32. The body 10 is incommunication with a blade 90 that is extended distal of the firstworking arm 30 and second working arm 32. The shuttle 60 on firstworking arm 30 is located in a first position 60A, and the shuttle 60 onthe second working arm 32 is located in a second position 60B. Adeactivation feature 14, which is a gap (G), is located between thesecond working arm 32 and the bias device 80 on the second side of thebody 10 so that the bias device 80 is free of contact with the secondworking arm 32 and second working arm 32 is not biased. The shuttle 60on the first working arm 30 fills the gap located between the firstworking arm 30 and the bias device 80 so that the first working arm 30is biased by the bias device 80 contacting the shuttle 60 on the firstworking arm.

FIG. 6 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A bias device80 is located on a first side of the body 10 proximate to the firstworking arm 30 and a bias device 80 is located on a second side of thebody 10 proximate to the second working arm 32. The shuttle 60 on firstworking arm 30 is located in a first position 60A (i.e., proximalposition), and the shuttle 60 on the second working arm 32 is located ina second position 60B (i.e., distal position). A shuttle 60 is locatedon the body 10 and, as shown, the shuttle 60 is in a first position 60A.The blade 90 is extended distal of the first working arm 30 and thesecond working arm 32. The shuttle 60 on the first working arm 30 fillsthe gap located between the first working arm 30 and the bias device 80so that the first working arm 30 is biased by the bias device 80contacting the shuttle 60 on the first working arm 30. A gap (G) islocated between the bias device 80 and the second working arm 32 so thatthe second working arm 32 is not biased.

FIG. 7 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A bias device80 is located on a first side of the body 10 proximate to the firstworking arm 30 and a bias device 80 is located on a second side of thebody 10 proximate to the second working arm 32. The body 10 is incommunication with a blade 90 that, as shown, is extended distal of thefirst working arm 30 and the second working arm 32. The shuttle 60 onthe first working arm 30 is in a second position 60B and the shuttle 60on the second working arm 32 is in a first position 60A. A gap (G) islocated between the shuttle 60 on the first working arm 30 and the biasdevice 80 on the first side of the body 10 and no gap is located betweenthe second working arm 32 and the bias device 80 on the second side ofthe body 10 so only the second working arm 32 is biased and the firstworking arm 30 is free of bias.

FIG. 8 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A shuttle 60is movably connected to the body 10 and is shown in the first position60A. A bias device 80 is located on a first side of the body 10proximate to the first working arm 30 and a bias device 80 is located ona second side of the body 10 proximate to the second working arm 32. Thebody 10 is in communication with a blade 90 that is extended distal ofthe first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32. A shuttle 60 islocated on the first working arm 30 in a second position 60B forming agap (G) between the first working arm 30 and the bias device 80 so thatthe first working arm 30 is not biased. A shuttle 60 is located on thesecond working arm 32 in a first position 60A so that the bias device 80on the shuttle 60 of the body 10 aligns with the shuttle 60 on thesecond working arm 32 and the bias device 80 biases the second workingarm 32.

FIG. 9 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A body 10 isin communication with a blade 90 and the blade 90 is retracted so that adistal end 62 of the blade is flush with the distal ends 62 of the firstworking arm 30 and the second working arm 32. A bias device 80 isconnected to the body 10 and is located on a first side of the body 10proximate to the first working arm 30 so that when the bias device 80contacts the shuttle 60 on the first working arm 30, the first workingarm 30 is biased. A bias device 80 is connected to the blade 90 and islocated on a second side of the body 10 proximate to the second workingarm 32 so that when the bias device 80 contacts the shuttle 60 on thesecond working arm 32, the second working arm 32 is biased. Both theshuttle 60 on the first working arm 30 and the shuttle 60 on the secondworking arm 32 are located in a first position 60A.

FIG. 10A illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located there between. The body 10is in communication a blade 90 that is fully retracted allowing thefirst working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 full movement. Thefirst working arm 30 includes a shuttle 60 in a first position 60A andthe second working arm 32 includes a shuttle 60 in a first position 60A.A shuttle 60 is in communication with the body 10 and the blade 90. Abias device 80 is carried on the shuttle 60 on a first side proximatethe first working arm 30 and on a second side proximate the secondworking arm 32. As shown, the shuttle 60 on the body 10 is in a thirdposition 60C with blade fully retracted so that a gap (G) is locatedbetween the bias devices 80 and the first working arm 30 and secondworking arm 32 respectively.

FIG. 10B illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10is in communication with a blade 90 that has a distal end 62 that isflush with the distal ends 62 of the first working arm 30 and the secondworking arm 32. The first working arm 30 includes a shuttle 60 in afirst position 60A and the second working arm 32 includes a shuttle in afirst position 60A. A shuttle 60, carrying a bias device 80 on a firstside and a bias device 80 on a second side, is located on the body 10and the shuttle 60 is located in the first position 60A so that the biasdevices 80 align with the shuttles 60 on the first working arm 30 andthe second working arm 32 to bias the first working arm 30 and thesecond working arm 32 respectively.

FIG. 10C illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10is in communication a blade 90 that is fully retracted allowing thefirst working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 full movement. Thefirst working arm 30 includes a shuttle 60 in a first position 60A andthe second working arm 32 includes a shuttle in a first position 60A. Ashuttle 60 is in communication with the body 10 and the blade 90. A biasdevice 80 is carried on the shuttle 60 on a first side proximate thefirst working arm 30 and on a second side proximate the second workingarm 32. As shown, the shuttle 60 on the body 10 is in a first position60A with blade fully retracted so that the bias devices 80 align withthe shuttles 60 on the first working arm 30 and the second working arm32 respectively to create a bias force.

FIG. 10D illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. A shuttle 60(e.g. a first shuttle portion) is located on the first working arm 30 ina first position 60A. A shuttle 60 (e.g., a third shuttle first portion)is located on the body 10 in a first position 60A so that a bias device80 carried on the shuttle 60 is aligned with the shuttle 60 on the firstworking arm 30 so that the bias device 80 biases the first working arm30. A shuttle 60 (e.g., a second shuttle portion) is located on thesecond working arm in a first position 60A. A second shuttle 60 (e.g., athird shuttle second portion) carrying a bias device 80 is located onthe body 10 and/or blade 90 opposite the second working arm 32 and thesecond shuttle 60 is in a second position 60B so that a gap (G) islocated between the bias device 80 and the shuttle 60 on the secondworking arm 32 so that the bias device 60 does not bias the secondworking arm 32.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the second working arm 32, the firstworking arm 30 being a mirror image of the second working arm 32. Theworking arms include a distal end 62 and a proximal end 64. As shown,there are a plurality of deactivation features 14. Between thedeactivation features 14 are contact zones 66 where the bias members(not shown) can contact the first working arm 30 or second working arm32 to bias the working arms.

FIG. 12 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10is connected to a blade 90 that extends from the body 10. The body 10includes a deactivation feature 14 proximate to the first working arm 30and a deactivation feature 14 proximate to the second working arm 32.The first working arm 30 includes a shuttle 60 with a bias device 80,the shuttle 60 being movable between a first position 60A and a secondposition (not shown). In the first position 60A, the shuttle 60proximate to the first working arm 30 and the shuttle 60 proximate tothe second working arm 32 align the bias devices 80 with the body 10 sothat the first working arm 30 and the second working arm 32 bias againstthe body 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10is connected to a blade 90 that extends from the body 10. The body 10includes a bias device 80 proximate to the first working arm 30 and abias device 80 proximate to the second working arm 32. The first workingarm 30 includes a shuttle 60 with a deactivation feature 14, the shuttle60 moving between a first position (not shown) and a second position60B. In the second position 60B, the shuttle 60 proximate to the firstworking arm 30 aligns the deactivation feature 14 with the bias member80 so that the first working arm is not biased. The second working arm32 includes a shuttle 60 with a deactivation feature 14, the shuttlemoving between a first position (not shown) and a second position 60B.In the second position 60B, the shuttle 60 proximate to the secondworking arm 32 aligns the deactivation feature 14 with the bias device80 proximate to the second working arm 32 so that the second working arm32 is unable to bias against the bias device 80.

FIG. 14 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10includes a blade 90 extending therefrom. The body 10 includes a biasdevice 80 proximate to the first working arm 30 and a bias device 80proximate to the second working arm 32. The first working arm 30includes a deactivation feature 14 and a shuttle 60 which moves betweena first position 60A and a second position (not shown). In the firstposition 60A, the shuttle 60 proximate to the first working arm 30covers the deactivation feature 14 so the bias device 80 on the body 10biases against the shuttle 60 on the first working arm 30. The secondworking arm 32 includes a deactivation feature 14 and a shuttle 60 whichmoves between a first position (not shown) and a second position 60B. Inthe second position 60B, the shuttle 60 proximate to the second workingarm 32 uncovers the deactivation feature 14 so the bias device 80 isaligned with the deactivation feature 80 preventing the second workingarm 32 or the shuttle 60 from biasing against the bias device 80 on thebody 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates the forceps 2 with a first working arm 30 and asecond working arm 32 with a body 10 located therebetween. The body 10includes a blade 90 extending therefrom. The first working arm 30includes a bias device 80 and a shuttle 60 which moves between a firstposition (not shown) and a second position 60B. The shuttle 60 in thesecond position 60B slides over the bias device 80 so that the shuttle60 compresses the bias device 80 and deactivates the bias device 80 sothat the first working arm is free from biasing relative to the body 10.The second working arm 32 includes a bias device 80 and a shuttle 60which moves between a first position 60A and a second position (notshown). The shuttle 60 in the first position 60A is not in contact withthe bias device 80 so that the bias device 80 is in communication withthe body 10 and the bias device 80 of the second working arm 32 biasesagainst the body 10.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

-   -   2 Forceps    -   10 Body    -   12 Inner shell    -   14 Deactivation feature    -   16 First activation button    -   18 Second activation button    -   20 Handle    -   30 First working arm    -   32 Second working arm    -   33 Electrode    -   34 Boss    -   36 Pivot pin    -   37 Pivot    -   38 Electrical path    -   40 Distal end    -   42 Cross Over    -   44 Gripping portion    -   60 Shuttle    -   60A First position    -   60B Second position    -   60C Third position    -   62 Distal end    -   64 Proximal end    -   66 Contact Zone    -   80 Bias device    -   82 Free end    -   84 Constrained end    -   86 Contact portion of spring    -   88 Breaks    -   90 Blade    -   100 Electrosurgical Device

We claim:
 1. A device having a longitudinal axis comprising: a. a firstworking arm; b. a body; c. a shuttle movable between at least a firstposition and a second position along the longitudinal axis; and d. abias device including a biasing surface; wherein the bias device biasesthe first working arm outward relative to the body when the shuttle isin the first position by physical contact between the biasing surfaceand the shuttle, the physical contact caused by movement of the shuttlefrom the second position to the first position along the longitudinalaxis; and wherein the bias device is free of biasing the first workingarm outward relative to the body when the shuttle is in the secondposition, the biasing surface of the bias device being free of physicalcontact with the shuttle in the second position.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the device includes a second working arm.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the bias device biases the first working arm away fromthe body when the shuttle is in the first position.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the shuttle is located on the first working arm.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the first working arm includes one or moredeactivation features.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the shuttlecovers at least one of the one or more deactivation features when theshuttle is in the first position.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein atleast one of the one or more deactivation features are exposed when theshuttle is in the second position.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein atleast a portion of the bias device extends into the at least one of theone or more deactivation features that are exposed so that the firstworking arm is free of biasing when the shuttle is in the secondposition.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the biasing surface of thebias device contacts the shuttle when the shuttle is in the firstposition.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein a gap is located betweenthe bias device and the shuttle or the bias device and the first workingarm when the shuttle is in the second position so that the bias deviceis prevented from biasing the first working arm.
 11. The device of claim1, wherein the device includes one or more deactivation features thatare located in the shuttle.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein theshuttle covers at least one of the one or more deactivation featureswhen the shuttle is in the first position, and at least one of the oneor more deactivation features are exposed by the shuttle when theshuttle is in the second position.
 13. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a second working arm, wherein the shuttle is a first shuttleportion that is located on the first working arm and a second shuttleportion that is located on the second working arm.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the bias device is located on the first shuttleportion, the second shuttle portion, the body, the first working arm,the second working arm, or a combination thereof.
 15. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the first working arm, the second working arm, thebody, the first shuttle portion, the second shuttle portion, or acombination thereof include one or more deactivation features.
 16. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein the first shuttle portion covers one or moredeactivation features in the first working arm, misaligns one or moredeactivation features in the first shuttle portion with the bias device,or misaligns one or more deactivation features in the body with the biasdevice when the first shuttle portion is in the first position; thesecond shuttle portion covers one or more deactivation features in thesecond working arm, misaligns one or more deactivation features in thesecond shuttle portion with the bias device, or misaligns one or moredeactivation features in the body with the bias device when the secondshuttle portion is in the first position; or both.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the bias device extends into the one or moredeactivation features when the first shuttle portion, the second shuttleportion, or both are located in the second position.
 18. A devicecomprising: a. a first working arm; b. a second working arm; c. a body;d. a shuttle; and e. a bias device; wherein the bias device biases thefirst working arm relative to the body when the shuttle is in a firstposition, wherein the bias device is free of biasing the first workingarm relative to the body when the shuttle is in a second position, andwherein the shuttle is located on the first working arm and the secondworking arm is free of a shuttle so that the first working arm is biasedwhen the shuttle is in the first position and the second working arm isfreely movable.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the shuttle islongitudinally movable or rotationally movable.
 20. A device comprising:a. a first working arm; b. a body; c. a shuttle located on the firstworking arm; and d. a bias device extending from the body and comprisingan elastically deformable element; wherein the first working armincludes one or more deactivation features operable to deactivate thebias device; wherein the bias device biases the first working armrelative to the body when the shuttle is in a first position, the biasdevice in physical contact with the first working arm or the shuttle inthe first position; and wherein the bias device is free of biasing thefirst working arm relative to the body when the shuttle is in a secondposition and the bias device is deactivated, the bias device being freeof physical contact with the first working arm or the shuttle in thesecond position.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein when the shuttle isin the second position a gap is formed between the bias device and thefirst working arm or the bias device and the shuttle to prevent the biasdevice from biasing the first working arm.